Being people that like to play outside, we have all had our spills, face plants, digs or whatever you want to call them. Especially when learning a new sport. Everybody has to learn sometime and everybody falls- how you rebound is what sets you apart . Take it from Dr. T.

Happy 4th of July!

That’s right, get on the good foot and do the bad thing!! UTM and I are registered in this year’s Muddy Buddy race in Boulder, CO!!

The following was stolen without permission from Burntcrisp

“Team UpaDowna, consisting of Yeti and myself, has thrown their collective hat in the ring for this year’s Muddy Buddy in Boulder. We have intended on doing this for a few years but have never been able to for various reasons. We are locked in this time around though because we coughed up the obnoxious $140 entry fee (plus some administrative charges and a mandatory $7 parking fee, no point in taking the bus I guess). I won’t complain about the cost too much in advance. Heck, I may have $200 worth of fun. But if I don’t, and my goody bag disappoints me, then I’ll just drink my weight in free beer.”

Whoo Hooo!!! While not the most glamorus or most cost effective event out there it will be a great time and this is the first installment of many for Team UpaDowna.

Good things are on the horizon.

We have all heard of the controversy surrounding our beloved Nalgene bottles and the nastiness that is BPA. (linked to cancer) Well Congressman Edward Markey has proposed a ban on BPA and products made with it. Check out the press release.

Looks like the powers that be have opened their eyes to some of the issues that we as outdoors folks have been thinking about. Is it an election year?

These are some stories I enjoyed but forgot to share. Some I have no doubt you have heard of already.

• Outward Bound hikers lost then found. Basically the kids ages 13-16 and their two guides missed a link up and ended up hiking to a general store to call base camp.
• Cyclist hits bear, Hmmm. Yep guy in Boulder, CO riding his bike, ran into a bear… literally.
• Suicide in National Parks, no comment.
• Great backcountry foods, YUM! Nutritionally speaking.

Enjoy

Got back yesterday, check out the route. I will post up details and some pics later today. Route ended up at about 24 miles (best guess) and today I am working on getting the legs to loosen up. I can now officially say that UTM is a hiking machine!

View Larger Map

UTM and I are going to flash up America’s Mountain starting from my house this afternoon and camping tonight just above treeline then hit the summit for morning coffee then running back down the hill hopefully home by early afternoon.

The weather has been nice for a few days, which is a welcome break from the highly charged electrical storms we have had. Unfortunately the weather is calling for a bit of rain and thunderstorms, so I will be keeping my eyes peeled for those nasty anvil heads to start rolling in. If it gets too sketchy we may change our plans and head to some of the lakes around the back side.

Wish us luck and fast feet. More upon my return.